PART 1: AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF DIFFERENT ROOFING MATERIALS

Are you just about to have a new roof installed and wondering which type of roof will last you the longest? Any homeowner who’s thinking of reroofing will certainly want to pick a roof that’ll be sure to last a lifetime. This series will introduce you to the different types of roofing materials, their lifespans, and factors that could affect longevity.

Roofs come in a dizzying number of options — with materials like asphalt shingles, clay/concrete, metal, and slate being among the most commonly used in Canada. Let’s take a look at each of their lifespans and learn which roof’s got the longest life expectancy.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingles typically last around 20 years, but most come with warranties of just 10 years. They are also weather sensitive, meaning that if there’s a strong wind, there’s a chance you could lose a few pieces here and there.

CLAY/CONCRETE

Clay or concrete roofing tiles will last over 100 years. The roofing material itself is solid, but when you’re using clay or concrete roof tile, you should bear in mind that the National Roofing Contractor’s Association recommends that they be placed atop a wooden roof deck, or atop 5/8-thick plywood. * Note that other materials, such as Oriented Standard Boards (OSB), preservative-treated wood, and fire retardant wood tend to deteriorate more rapidly when used as roof deck.

PART 1: AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF DIFFERENT ROOFING MATERIALS

SLATE

Slate roofs can last anywhere between 60 to 100 years. However, not many roofing contractors have the expertise to install them. Incorrect installation largely affects their lifespan. Additionally, slate roof tiles are brittle, so it is not advisable to walk on them.

METAL

Metal roofs also have a good lifespan of 40 to 80 years. The drawback to metal roofs is that they are noisy and prone to denting. If there’s a serious hailstorm, you can expect quite a bit of damage.

At this point, you probably already have an idea of which material to purchase if you want a roof that will last longer. However, you also need to know that the average lifespan alone isn’t a guarantee. A roof’s service life will also depend on other factors, which we will discuss in the next part of

this series – so stay tuned!

The average lifespans of the different roofing materials are based on “average” or “normal” conditions. Nobody can expect them to reach their full lifespan if they’re continuously exposed to harsh environments. However, the weather isn’t the only thing that can affect the lifespan of roofs. Here are some other factors that also play a big role.

COLOR

Many people don’t pay much attention to the color of the roof, other than matching it to the overall color theme of the home. However, you should know that a dark colored roof absorbs more heat, and heat can affect the roof’s durability and therefore, lifespan.

ROOF SLOPE AND ORIENTATION

Roofs that have a higher slope tend to last longer. However, if the slope is facing direct sunlight, it will have a shorter lifespan.

VENTILATION

Ventilation plays a big role in the lifespan of the roof. Attics that have poor ventilation will result in shorter roof lifespan.

INSTALLATION

It doesn’t matter how tough the roofing material is. If the installation is poor, then there’s a good chance that your roof won’t last very long, or that it won’t reach its minimum life expectancy.

PART 2: FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE LIFESPAN OF ROOFS

TREES

Trees are good for the environment, but they can wreak havoc on a roof. The branches of the tree can scratch your roof during strong winds; a branch or an entire tree might fall down and not only destroy your roof, but part of your home as well. Shaded areas of your roof may also not dry completely, resulting in rot and deterioration.

QUALITY OF MATERIAL

The saying “you get what you pay for” is always true, especially for roofing materials. Quality materials will certainly cost more, but you can be sure that they’ll last longer. If you skimp on quality, don’t expect your roof to last as long as you would like it to.

All the above factors play an important role in a roof’s average lifespan, but one factor typically plays the biggest role – maintenance. If you look at manufacturer warranties closely, you’ll find that poor maintenance can void the warranty. In Part III, we’ll discuss proper roof maintenance procedures.

PART 2: FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE LIFESPAN OF ROOFS

If you’ve recently had a new roof constructed or are planning to replace an existing one, it’s best that you know exactly how you’re going to maintain it. After all, cliché as it is, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few roof maintenance tips that can help you get the most out of your roof.

PERFORM REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY

Unfortunately, not even the best roof installers and roofing materials can guarantee that your roof won’t leak in the future. Roofs and leaks go hand in hand. As soon as your new roof is exposed to rain or harsh weather, take the time to look for leaks. In fact, you should also be doing this periodically to ensure that you find the leak source before it gets worse.

Leaks need to be repaired immediately, or as soon as possible. There are two reasons why: first, if a leak isn’t repaired it will definitely get bigger; second, bigger leaks tend to cost more to repair.

TRIM THOSE TREES

If you have trees near the roof of your home, trim them regularly. Tree branches that cover the roof may not seem like a big deal, but wait until you see your roof falling apart. Branches, leaves, and sap will affect the integrity of the roof materials and assembly. Just remember, it costs less to trim tree branches than to repair a roof.

PART 3: HOW TO MAKE YOUR ROOF LAST LONGER

CLEAN THE DRAINS AND ROOF SURFACE

Leaves and debris from trees are notorious when it comes to clogging gutters and causing roofs to become dirty. However, even if you don’t have a tree near your roof, you still need to inspect the gutters and unclog them regularly. You’ll also need to clean the roof surface on a regular basis. The wind can bring all sorts of things to your roof and gutters and there’s no preventing that – you just really need to take the time to clean them.

Also, if you live in an area where it snows, make sure you invest in a snow rake. It’s best not to let a thick layer of snow pile up on your roof for too long during and after winter.

PART 3: HOW TO MAKE YOUR ROOF LAST LONGER

Crown Roofing & Drainage

#118-11860 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, BC V7A-5G1

(877) 907-3066

CrownResidentialRoofing.com